2013-2014 University of Arizona - Phoenix Application Thread

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perpetuallylazy said:
Not me, I'm super nervous knowing the exact time window! Maybe it's getting tough to make the acceptances with fewer spots.

I'm hoping I get a call! Good luck everyone!
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Post-interview hold here as well.
But that's what I'm thinking; too few acceptances available and they still have 1-2 more interview dates. Unfortunately it sounds like they will only be reviewing our files once more at the end of January and then it's accept/reject. I'm not sure if they do a standard waitlist... can anyone clarify that for me?
I absolutely loved this school, so it's worth the wait!
 
Dr. Cunningham,
How many spots will be offered during the next round of invitations? Just curious how many candidates do you generally offer acceptances to from the deferral list? Last year there was not much movement from the wait list, do you predict the same for this year?
 
ArizonaHomeGrown said:
Dr. Cunningham,
How many spots will be offered during the next round of invitations? Just curious how many candidates do you generally offer acceptances to from the deferral list? Last year there was not much movement from the wait list, do you predict the same for this year?
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Hello, ArizonaHomeGrown

Each round is ~20, and the deferred group has ranged from 0-20% of the offers. Our waitlist movement has been small for the past three years, 1-4 spots.
 
Happy New Year from all of us in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix.
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
Happy New Year from all of us in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix.
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Hello Dr. Cunningham,

You have mentioned that the last interview date is Jan 13. So that pretty much means if you have not heard anything until now, it's pretty much over correct? I have been on hold for a while now, so I just would like to know.

Thank you for your time.
 
Hi Dr. Cunningham,

I had a question concerning the course requirements for this school. The University of Missouri does not require 6 hours of English but it requires the students to take 3 hours of English and 2 writing intensive courses. I sent a syllabus of the writing intensive course I took last semester and never heard anything back. I am taking my upper level biology writing intensive course this semester (Genetics in Society) so I do not have that syllabus yet. Do you think these courses will be able to replace the 3 hours of English I do not have? I have an interview on January 13th, this is my number one school, and I will take an English class if needed but I want to make sure I need those credits before I enroll in another class. Thank you for your time and help. I really appreciate it.
 
Highjump4life said:
Hi Dr. Cunningham,

I had a question concerning the course requirements for this school. The University of Missouri does not require 6 hours of English but it requires the students to take 3 hours of English and 2 writing intensive courses. I sent a syllabus of the writing intensive course I took last semester and never heard anything back. I am taking my upper level biology writing intensive course this semester (Genetics in Society) so I do not have that syllabus yet. Do you think these courses will be able to replace the 3 hours of English I do not have? I have an interview on January 13th, this is my number one school, and I will take an English class if needed but I want to make sure I need those credits before I enroll in another class. Thank you for your time and help. I really appreciate it.
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Thanks for the question and it seems you are covered in terms of satisfying the required English coursework. We will make a better attempt to reply when courses are approved.
 
Hey guys! I'm applying next year and I've been reading about MMI's and I understand the process. Is it possible to share what the prompts or scenarios were so I have some idea what sorts of things may be asked of interviewees? (Is this okay Dr. Cunningham?)
 
moonwake said:
Hey guys! I'm applying next year and I've been reading about MMI's and I understand the process. Is it possible to share what the prompts or scenarios were so I have some idea what sorts of things may be asked of interviewees? (Is this okay Dr. Cunningham?)
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You should be aware that many schools that do MMI require applicants to agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement since scenarios can be similar and in fact essentially identical from one school to another. Your best bet would be to find some of the publicly available sample scenarios online, which do a good job preparing a candidate for the MMI.
 
moonwake said:
Hey guys! I'm applying next year and I've been reading about MMI's and I understand the process. Is it possible to share what the prompts or scenarios were so I have some idea what sorts of things may be asked of interviewees? (Is this okay Dr. Cunningham?)
Click to expand...

Discussing MMI scenarios and prompts is a big med school no-no. A lot of schools require intertviewees to sign non-disclosure agreements basically prohibiting any discussion, often even with other applicants on your same interview day. There are a lot of sample scenarios online that you can look at if you're curious. First rule of fight club, you do not talk about fight club. And by fight club I mean MMI 🙂

That having been said, I think it's in your best interest to not know the prompts. The whole point is to see how you think on your feet and to get genuine, honest, off-the-cuff responses to get to know you. Interviewers would be able to see right through a rehearsed answer.

Good luck on your future application!
 
MMIs include various types of scenarios that allow you to demonstrate depth and breadth of characteristics via discussion-based, collaborative, role play situations. Each type of scenario is designed to assess your communication ability (verbal, non-verbal) while also assessing traits essential to UA Phoenix Med (i.e. team work, empathy, self-awareness), none of which you can "practice," per se. However, never hurts to prime yourself with the basics and be comfortable, 1:1, with appropriate eye contact, positive non-verbal communication, spatial awareness, etc.

Imagine the 7-min MMI round is a future patient interaction - wouldn't you want to display kindness, confidence (not arrogance), critical thinking, cultural awareness and so on...

If you are natural and engage in a thoughtful, genuine conversation and highlight yourself in the most professional light possible, then you can stand tall and proud of yourself in the end.
 
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I think what you'll discover, at least this held true for me, is that you will need to quickly think about the person to whom you are speaking and make a solid judgement call about what that person needs to hear to understand you. I'm not suggesting being insincere, quite the opposite. You want to be cognizant of what your audience is hearing, not just what you are saying.

For example, three different people with the same educational background might ask me why I think mayonnaise is good on a sandwich. My normal manner of speaking might get my point across to only one of them by chance, as it probably would for most all of us, so I would need to adjust my approach for the others. Some lucky folks can do this instinctually...the rest of us have to learn it as a skill 😉
 
Thanks for all the responses! I'm sorry- I didn't know that interview specifics were disclosed information. Sounds like it would be a fun experience if I'm lucky enough to get an interview!
 
So excited/nervous for the interview on Monday! Will anybody on here be attending the last interview? Also, I have a question regarding bags. I am not renting a car and will not have time to go back to the hotel after the interview before my flight so does anybody have any advice on where to put a suitcase for the day? Thanks!
 
Highjump4life said:
So excited/nervous for the interview on Monday! Will anybody on here be attending the last interview? Also, I have a question regarding bags. I am not renting a car and will not have time to go back to the hotel after the interview before my flight so does anybody have any advice on where to put a suitcase for the day? Thanks!
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I will be attending the interview as well 🙂 I'm excited more than anything! Will you be attending the pre-reception as well?
 
Highjump4life said:
So excited/nervous for the interview on Monday! Will anybody on here be attending the last interview? Also, I have a question regarding bags. I am not renting a car and will not have time to go back to the hotel after the interview before my flight so does anybody have any advice on where to put a suitcase for the day? Thanks!
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Bring your suitcase to check-in and Carlos will put it in our safe, locked room for the day. He'll have it waiting for you at check-out. Safe travels.
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
Bring your suitcase to check-in and Carlos will put it in our safe, locked room for the day. He'll have it waiting for you at check-out. Safe travels.
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Awesome, thank you for answering and thanks for the safe travel wishes! I am hoping for a nice relaxing flight. Fingers crossed!
 
Dr. Cunningham,

Can you please elaborate on the number of acceptances that have been offered already and when exactly the admissions staff will be making decisions on the final acceptances?

Also, of the final number of acceptances, what percent must be instate residents?
Thank you very much for answering our questions on SDN, you have been tremendously helpful!
 
AThirstyGent said:
Dr. Cunningham,

Can you please elaborate on the number of acceptances that have been offered already and when exactly the admissions staff will be making decisions on the final acceptances?

...
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If I'm remembering correctly, she said that the final meeting to discuss interviewed applicants will be on 1/24 and applicants should hear back on that same day or 1/25.
 
The interviews are officially over and now we wait to hear the news!! This interview day was by far the best experience I have had this cycle. I did not want it to end and I did not want to leave the warm weather in Phoenix. If anybody is thinking about applying here next year, I encourage you to do it. The students, faculty, and school were all amazing. The MMI was also a great experience and I truly enjoyed it even though I think I butchered a station. Opps! I would be honored to attend this medical school and I would move across the US in a heart beat if I were lucky enough to be chosen. I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst, and anxiously waiting for the news next week! Good luck to all who are in my shoes.
 
Highjump4life said:
The interviews are officially over and now we wait to hear the news!! This interview day was by far the best experience I have had this cycle. I did not want it to end and I did not want to leave the warm weather in Phoenix. If anybody is thinking about applying here next year, I encourage you to do it. The students, faculty, and school were all amazing. The MMI was also a great experience and I truly enjoyed it even though I think I butchered a station. Opps! I would be honored to attend this medical school and I would move across the US in a heart beat if I were lucky enough to be chosen. I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst, and anxiously waiting for the news next week! Good luck to all who are in my shoes.
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I couldn't agree more. The students, faculty, campus, and facilities left quite an impression. Good luck to you and all other applicants who interviewed this past weekend as well as those in the candidate pool.
 
mdhopeeful said:
Anyone know when next round of acceptances will go out? I interviewed Dec. 16 and was wondering if anyone has heard back yet.
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Final decisions will be made next week. By next weekend you will know if you have been accepted, alternate listed, or declined for admission.
 
Dr. Cunningham,

Can you please elaborate on the number of acceptances that have been offered already and when exactly the admissions staff will be making decisions on the final acceptances?

Also, of the final number of acceptances, what percent must be instate residents?
Thank you very much for answering our questions on SDN, you have been tremendously helpful!
 
For the past several years, we offer around 120 students to enter our program over the course of the acceptance and alternate season. We do not imagine this year being any different. For the past several years, our entering class is 60-65% resident.

Our final selection round is next Friday, January 24. The calendar has not changed since we discussed this during your visit day and we will wrap up our decisions that afternoon, late. It's a longer meeting than usual considering the work we have to do.

Again, students offered admission have until April 15 to make a decision and even then, change can occur through the first day of Orientation (June 30).
 
Dr. Cunningham,

Can you share with us the number of acceptances that have been given thus far?
 
Hi Dr. Cunningham,
Can you tell us a bit about the Pathway Scholars program admissions process and how many are being considered? Received an invitation to apply and would love to be a part of it.
Thanks!
 
healdontsteal said:
Hi Dr. Cunningham,
Can you tell us a bit about the Pathway Scholars program admissions process and how many are being considered? Received an invitation to apply and would love to be a part of it.
Thanks!
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Pathway Scholars will choose 10 students from the 72 interviewed. More than double this number completed the application process. The deadline to apply has passed and the interview invitations will not be sent weekly, as was the process for MD. We've not met to decide, still reviewing.
 
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Hi Dr. Cunningham,

I was wondering if this school accepts any statement of intent to attend this amazing school prior to being reviewed for acceptance? I interviewed this month and understand that Friday is the day we will all be reviewed so I wasn't sure if it would be acceptable to send a letter before that day comes.

Thank you in advance for all your help. I really appreciate it!
 
Highjump4life said:
Hi Dr. Cunningham,

I was wondering if this school accepts any statement of intent to attend this amazing school prior to being reviewed for acceptance? I interviewed this month and understand that Friday is the day we will all be reviewed so I wasn't sure if it would be acceptable to send a letter before that day comes.

Thank you in advance for all your help. I really appreciate it!
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Letters of interest/intent are neutral - your application to medical school was completed on your visit day. Letters from applicants at any point in the process are not included in your final application for selection. With this said, a follow up "thank you" note is not only classy, but professional and is nice feedback for our team.

If you would like to send a note of any kind, please send via email or regular mail. It's discouraging to see applicants spend $8.50+ to send via Priority Mail. You guys have to pay enough already!
 
I sent a thank you note in the mail last week. I hope you received it/receive it soon!
 
We are still meeting - amazing conversations, all members are so impressed with everyone's drive and determination. Today is the day we wish our class size was larger!!

Decisions will not be released until the evening, well into 7p.

Given this, should we wait to notify until Monday??
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
We are still meeting - amazing conversations, all members are so impressed with everyone's drive and determination. Today is the day we wish our class size was larger!!

Decisions will not be released until the evening, well into 7p.

Given this, should we wait to notify until Monday??
Click to expand...

I think some of us might not make it alive through the weekend with the anticipation 🙂


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
We are still meeting - amazing conversations, all members are so impressed with everyone's drive and determination. Today is the day we wish our class size was larger!!

Decisions will not be released until the evening, well into 7p.

Given this, should we wait to notify until Monday??
Click to expand...

Wow this meeting sounds intense and is making me even more nervous. That being said, I would still love to find out tonight even if it's not until 10! Waiting until Monday doesn't sound fun to me but this is just my personal opinion 🙂
 
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